Councillors to decide on Southsea Skatepark revamp plans

Plans to revamp Southsea Skatepark have been recommended for approval despite objections from the Portsmouth Society.

Portsmouth City Council’s planning committee will decide whether to approve proposals for a new enclosure at the historic skatepark on Southsea Common.

The scheme, put forward by the charity that runs the site, aims to modernise the facility with a new roofed structure providing an indoor skatepark, viewing areas, a café and a shop.

Victoria Wenyon, a trustee of the Southsea Skatepark charity previously stated: “This isn’t just a roof – it’s a complete reimagining of what Southsea Skatepark can be.”

“It’s about creating a lasting, inclusive space that reflects the character of our city, while providing modern facilities for current and future generations.”

The existing site measures almost one acre and is broadly octagonal in shape. It contains a series of ramps and concrete bowls, along with small ancillary buildings that function as a café and shop.

Dating back to 1978, Southsea Skatepark is one of the longest-running skateparks in the country. The site itself has an even longer history, having previously housed a roller skating rink and, before that, a bandstand constructed in 1928.

The proposals include a new two-storey building, with a double-height second floor, which would accommodate an indoor skatepark on the northern part of the site.

The indoor street circuit would be accessed via doors from the reception area, allowing staff to control entry.

The circuit would measure around 32 metres in length and 15 metres in width, with viewing areas at both ends.

Visitors would first enter a covered space, with main entrance doors leading into a reception area. Behind this would be a café and shop.

A total of 37 public comments have been received, including two objections and 35 in support.

One resident in support said the skatepark was an “integral part of my teenage years” and would continue to be so “for so many more generations of young people growing up in the city”.

He added that, with Pitt Street skatepark potentially facing demolition as part of a city centre regeneration scheme, the plans represent “much needed space that needs a roof for people to skate in a safe environment”.

However, the Portsmouth Society has objected to the design, stating it “looks misplaced“ for a “recreational structure in the heart of a public park”.

They added that the rows of low arches “in particular evoke the appearance of cannon emplacements rather than a welcoming, playful public facility”.

Residents can view the planning officer’s report, which recommends approval, on the council’s website.

The report describes the design of the building as “positive” and states that it does not anticipate any negative impact on local amenity.